Virginia lawmakers return, eye maps for Congress

General Assembly lawmakers return to Richmond this morning for week two of redistricting.

Based on population shifts and driven by 2010 census figures, the once-a-decade redistricting process has again become a venue where powerbrokers punish partisan opponents and attempt to protect political allies.

The maps for the 100 districts in the House of Delegates and 40 districts in the state Senate passed both chambers late last week, but House members must approve minor changes to their own maps.

They must also approve the maps drawn by Senate Democrats, who approved their maps Thursday on a straight party line vote – sending plans for new political boundaries over to the House on a 22 to 18 margin.

House Republicans approved their plans last week with significant Democratic support, but opposition from some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Henry, and Del. Robin Abbott, D-Newport News.

Most of the eight legislators who voted against the House maps were drawn out of their current districts, meaning they'd have to move to represent the same district or take on an incumbent lawmaker.

Once the maps are approved in the General Assembly, which could happen as early as this afternoon, they move to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell, who early this year appointed an independent bipartisan panel to make recommendations about the process.

That panel has no actual power over redistricting and its advice has been largely ignored by state lawmakers.

McDonnell, however, can amend the maps, veto them outright, or substitute his own political boundaries.

Any changes by the governor, however, won't change the partisan dynamics of either chamber. And the maps must be approved by the U.S. Justice Department before all 140 lawmakers face re-election in November because of the state's checkered past with voting rights and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Thus far, McDonnell has been largely mum on his plans.

Lawmakers are also expected to begin arguing during committee hearings this morning about the shape of the districts for Virginia's 11-member delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

There have been eight Republicans and three Democrats in that delegation since the 2010 elections, and there have been rumors about an agreement between Virginia's federal lawmakers. But the General Assembly must also approve federal maps.